July 17, 2009

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Story: The late great religious teacher Joseph Campbell once said that the holy is often seen in the work of a society’s artists. Glade Church UCC (www.gladeucc.org) in Blacksburg, VA embraces this concept by incorporating artwork into the worship experience. The sanctuary is surrounded by paintings, photography, and sculpture created by local artisans that relate to a spiritual theme. For example, in 2007, an exhibit called UNTOLD STORIES: A GALLERY OF LIGHT IN DARK PLACES contained artwork related to the tragedy of the Virginia Tech shootings. One painting, “Thirty Two Butterflies,” used art to express the grief felt by so many during the aftermath of the killings. In 2008, other exhibits included “Release It! A Bursting Forth of Spring,” “Recreation and Re-creation” and “We are Family!” 2009 promises to bring two exhibits, the first a tribute to people who have influenced the artist him/herself, and the second, art created by people using a medium to which they may not be accustomed. Prayer: Series 1 Holy God of Israel, ever present and moving among your people, draw us near you, that in place of hostility there may be peace; in place of loneliness, compassion; in place of aimlessness, direction; and in place of sickness, healing; through Christ Jesus, in whom you draw near to us. Amen. Series 2 Shepherd God, you call us into a rhythm of work and rest that our lives may be the better for it. So shape our leisure and our labor, that the world will recognize us as Jesus’ disciples and our ministry as what you would have us do. Amen.

July 16, 2009

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Story: The Middle East conflicts have brought about an infrequently reported phenomenon: the growing number of refugees escaping the violence in their homelands. Cedar Hills UCC in Portland, Oregon has responded to this crisis in an immediate and personal way. The church’s Mission Committee recently approved a proposal for the church to co-sponsor a refugee family from Iraq. SOAR (Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees) is arranging for the family to arrive in April and so far, about 12 church members expressed interest in assisting in the family’s transition. Cedar Hills UCC will offer ongoing support in the form of English tutoring, transportation to appointments, job searching, school enrollment for the children, social support and cultural orientation, as well as financial support. Prayer: Series 1 Holy God of Israel, ever present and moving among your people, draw us near you, that in place of hostility there may be peace; in place of loneliness, compassion; in place of aimlessness, direction; and in place of sickness, healing; through Christ Jesus, in whom you draw near to us. Amen. Series 2 Shepherd God, you call us into a rhythm of work and rest that our lives may be the better for it. So shape our leisure and our labor, that the world will recognize us as Jesus’ disciples and our ministry as what you would have us do. Amen.

Calendar of Prayer

July 17, 2009

July 16, 2009